Summer has finally arrived, and with it comes a desire to beat the heat with refreshing drinks that are as cool as they are delicious. One such drink that fits the bill perfectly is homemade fruit wine. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also incredibly easy to make and can be customized to your liking.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 of our favorite fruit wine recipes that are perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. From classic combinations like strawberry basil and peach mango to more unique blends like blueberry lavender and pineapple coconut, there’s something here for everyone. So why not start experimenting with some of these refreshing recipes and discover your new go-to drink for the season?
Strawberry Basil Wine
Combine the sweetness of strawberries with the brightness of basil for a unique and flavorful wine perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle dry red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon work well)
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine and sliced strawberries.
2. Add the chopped basil leaves to the mixture and stir gently to combine.
3. Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir in the honey until dissolved.
5. Strain the wine into individual glasses, if desired, to remove the strawberry solids.
Cooking Time: None (prep time: 15-20 minutes)
Enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Basil Wine at your next outdoor gathering or as a unique drink for a summer evening!
Peach Mango Wine
Sweet and tangy, this peach mango wine recipe combines the juiciness of peaches with the tropical flavors of mangoes, perfect for warm weather gatherings. With a hint of sweetness and a refreshing twist, this homemade wine is sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 3 lbs fresh peaches, sliced
– 1 lb ripe mango, diced
– 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
– 3 gallons water
– 6 lbs granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon citric acid
– 1 teaspoon peach flavor extract
Instructions:
1. Combine sliced peaches and diced mango in a large pot.
2. Add yeast, water, sugar, citric acid, and peach flavor extract to the pot.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Transfer mixture to a fermentation vessel and seal with an airlock.
6. Allow wine to ferment for 2-3 weeks or until bubbles cease.
7. Rack (transfer) wine to secondary container, discarding sediment.
8. Bottle and enjoy within 6 months.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Blueberry Lavender Wine
Create a unique and flavorful wine by combining the sweetness of blueberries with the subtle charm of lavender. This recipe yields a deliciously complex wine perfect for sipping on its own or pairing with sweet treats.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon water
– 3 lbs granulated sugar
– 1 package (0.25 oz) red wine yeast (Champagne or White Labs)
– 1 bag (12 oz) dried blueberries
– 2 tbsp dried lavender buds
– 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions:
1. Combine water and sugar in a large pot, heating until sugar dissolves.
2. Add blueberries and bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Strain mixture through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a large fermenting vessel.
4. Add lavender buds and lemon slices; cover with a cloth or plastic wrap.
5. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature (around 68°F).
6. Pitch yeast, stirring gently to distribute evenly.
7. Seal fermenter and store at room temperature for 2-3 months.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (initial boil) + 2-3 months fermentation time
Pineapple Coconut Wine
This refreshing wine recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple with the creaminess of coconut, perfect for a warm evening or as a unique gift for friends and family. With only 5 ingredients and minimal effort required, you can create this delightful drink in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup coconut water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup white wine (dry)
– Splash of grenadine syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine pineapple juice and coconut water. Stir until well combined.
2. Add granulated sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Add white wine and stir gently to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
5. Just before serving, add a splash of grenadine syrup if desired (for a slightly sweeter flavor).
6. Serve chilled, garnished with pineapple wedges or cherry halves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in mere minutes.
Blackberry Vanilla Wine
A sweet and tangy blend of blackberries and vanilla creates a unique wine that’s perfect for sipping on its own or pairing with desserts.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup blackberries, crushed
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup vanilla extract
– 1 packet (0.25 oz) active dry yeast
Instructions:
1. Combine crushed blackberries and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard solids.
3. Add sugar and vanilla extract to the juice. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
4. Proof yeast by mixing it with 1/2 cup warm water (around 100°F). Let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until frothy.
5. Add yeast mixture to the blackberry juice. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let ferment at room temperature for 3-4 days, or until bubbles form on surface.
Cooking Time:
– Total time: 24 hours
– Fermentation time: 3-4 days
Apple Cinnamon Spiced Wine
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this inviting apple cinnamon spiced wine recipe. Perfectly blending the sweetness of apples and the warmth of cinnamon, this delightful drink is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon work well)
– 1/2 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 cinnamon stick (about 6 inches long)
– 2-3 whole cloves
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and/or 1/4 teaspoon allspice
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the red wine, apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, and orange zest.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the flavors have melded together (about 10-15 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the spices to infuse fully.
4. Strain the wine into a large serving jug or individual glasses. Discard the solids.
5. Serve warm, garnished with an apple slice or cinnamon stick if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (plus steeping time)
Raspberry Lemonade Wine
Create a refreshing wine that combines the sweetness of raspberries and the tartness of lemonade, perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of white wine (Chardonnay or Riesling work well)
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Rinse the raspberries and remove any stems or leaves.
2. In a blender, puree the raspberries with 1 tablespoon of sugar until smooth.
3. Strain the raspberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.
4. In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, lemon juice, honey, and strained raspberry mixture.
5. Stir well to combine and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None required – simply chill before serving!
Cherry Almond Wine
This recipe yields a rich and fruity wine with subtle notes of almond, perfect for sipping on its own or pairing with sweet treats. With just a few simple steps, you can create this delicious wine in the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon water
– 3 lbs cherries (fresh or frozen)
– 1 lb granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup almonds
– 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) champagne yeast
– 1 teaspoon acid blend
– 1/2 teaspoon pectic enzyme
Instructions:
1. Combine water, cherries, and sugar in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and let steep for 24 hours.
3. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a sanitized fermenting vessel.
4. Add almonds, yeast, acid blend, and pectic enzyme to the must (the mixture of juice and solids). Stir well to combine.
5. Cover the vessel with a breathable cloth and let ferment for 7-10 days, or until bubbles form on the surface.
Cooking Time: 24 hours fermentation + 7-10 days secondary fermentation
Watermelon Mint Wine
Refresh your senses with this unique and refreshing wine cocktail that combines the sweetness of watermelon with the cooling essence of mint.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon puree
– 1 cup white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the watermelon puree and white wine. Stir to combine.
2. Add the fresh mint leaves to the pitcher and muddle (gently press) them with a spoon or muddler to release their oils and flavor.
3. Add the honey to the pitcher and stir until dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve the Watermelon Mint Wine over ice in glasses and garnish with additional mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This is a refreshing cocktail that’s ready to drink.
Plum Ginger Wine
This recipe combines the sweetness of plums with the spicy warmth of ginger to create a unique and flavorful wine perfect for sipping on its own or pairing with desserts. With just a few simple steps, you can create a batch of Plum Ginger Wine in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb (450g) plums, chopped
– 2 cups (475ml) water
– 1 cup (225g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (60g) brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon yeast (active dry or champagne)
Instructions:
1. Combine plums, water, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
2. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl. Discard solids.
3. Add ginger, cinnamon, and yeast to the liquid. Stir well.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature (68°F – 72°F) for 24-48 hours.
5. Transfer the mixture to a sanitized glass carboy or food-grade container. Secure with an airlock.
Cooking Time: 2-3 days
Kiwi Lime Wine
Brighten up your wine collection with this refreshing Kiwi Lime Wine recipe! This fruity and tangy concoction is perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a unique gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of white wine (Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc work well)
– 1/2 cup kiwi puree
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Sliced kiwis and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Chill the white wine in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, mix together kiwi puree, lime juice, and honey until well combined.
3. Open the chilled white wine and pour it into a large pitcher or jug.
4. Add the kiwi-lime mixture to the wine and stir gently to combine.
5. Chill the Kiwi Lime Wine in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld together.
6. Serve the Kiwi Lime Wine cold, garnished with sliced kiwis and lime wedges.
Cooking Time: 2 hours (chilling time)
Servings: 1 bottle of wine, serves 4-6 people
Enjoy your delicious and unique Kiwi Lime Wine!
Pear Cardamom Wine
Discover the warm, spicy flavors of India with this unique pear cardamom wine recipe. Perfect for a special occasion or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon water
– 3 lbs ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon citric acid
– 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) wine yeast (e.g. Lalvin K1-V1116)
– Optional: 1/4 cup brandy or other neutral spirit (for added depth)
Instructions:
1. Combine water, sugar, and sliced pears in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Add ground cardamom, citric acid, and wine yeast. Stir well.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Transfer mixture to food-grade plastic buckets or glass carboys. Cover with cheesecloth or a breathable cloth.
5. Allow the mixture to ferment for 7-10 days at room temperature (68°F -72°F).
6. Rack the wine by transferring it to another container, leaving sediment behind. Repeat every 2-3 months until fermentation slows.
Cooking Time: 14-21 days
Apricot Honey Wine
A sweet and tangy wine perfect for sipping on a warm evening or serving at your next dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon water
– 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) champagne yeast
– 3 lbs apricots, chopped
– 1 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon pectic enzyme (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the gallon of water to a boil and add the chopped apricots. Remove from heat and let steep for 24 hours.
2. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a large pot, pressing on the solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.
3. Add the honey, lemon juice, and pectic enzyme (if using) to the apricot juice. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
6. Transfer the mixture to a sanitized fermenting vessel and pitch the champagne yeast.
7. Seal the vessel and store in a dark place at 68-72°F (20-22°C) for 2-3 weeks, or until fermentation is complete.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes + 2-3 weeks fermentation time
Orange Clove Wine
This fragrant and flavorful wine is perfect for a cozy night in or as a thoughtful gift. With the sweetness of orange and the warmth of clove, this recipe will become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle dry white wine (such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 10 whole cloves
– Orange slices and sprigs of rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the wine, orange juice, water, and honey. Heat over low heat, stirring until the honey dissolves.
2. Add the whole cloves to the mixture and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the wine has reduced slightly.
3. Strain the wine into a clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
4. Store the wine in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Grapefruit Rosemary Wine
Elevate your wine game with this refreshing grapefruit and rosemary combination, perfect for warm weather or as a unique gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
– 1 cup grapefruit juice
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Chill the white wine in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the chilled white wine and grapefruit juice.
3. Add the fresh rosemary sprigs to the pitcher, letting them steep for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
4. Just before serving, stir in the honey until dissolved.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of grapefruit juice and honey to taste.
– Garnish with additional rosemary sprigs and sliced grapefruit for a beautiful presentation.
– This wine is perfect for sipping on its own or pairing with lighter dishes like salads, seafood, or goat cheese.
Banana Caramel Wine
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the richness of caramel to create a unique and indulgent wine. Perfect for special occasions or as a gift, this Banana Caramel Wine is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe bananas
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon pectin (optional)
– 750ml white wine (such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
Instructions:
1. Peel the bananas and slice them into thin rounds.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the sliced bananas, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the bananas are caramelized (about 20-25 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Strain the banana mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids.
5. Add the pectin (if using) and stir well.
6. Pour the banana mixture into the white wine and stir gently.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Fig Walnut Wine
Combine the flavors of ripe figs, crunchy walnuts, and rich wine for a unique and delicious dessert drink. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried figs
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 cups red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the dried figs and chopped walnuts.
2. Pour in the red wine, sugar, and lemon slices. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the liquid has reduced slightly and the flavors have melded together.
4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher or jug.
5. Let cool and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pomegranate Hibiscus Wine
This sweet and tangy wine is perfect for sipping on a warm evening or serving at your next gathering. The combination of pomegranate juice and hibiscus flowers creates a unique and refreshing flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 gallon water
– 2 cups pomegranate juice
– 1 cup hibiscus flowers (dried)
– 1 packet wine yeast (red or white)
– 1 tablespoon acid blend
– 1 teaspoon pectic enzyme
Instructions:
1. Combine water and pomegranate juice in a large pot. Heat to 180°F.
2. Add dried hibiscus flowers and let steep for 10 minutes.
3. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a fermentation vessel.
4. Pitch the wine yeast, acid blend, and pectic enzyme.
5. Ferment at 70-80°F for 6-8 weeks.
6. Rack the wine after 2 months to clarify and stabilize.
7. Bottle and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 2 hours (steeping time) + 6-8 weeks fermentation time
Summary
Discover refreshing and delicious fruit wines for summer with these 18 recipes! From classic combinations like Strawberry Basil and Peach Mango to unique blends like Blueberry Lavender and Pineapple Coconut, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at making a Blackberry Vanilla or Apple Cinnamon Spiced wine, or get creative with Raspberry Lemonade, Cherry Almond, and more. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or a tangy twist, these fruit wines are sure to quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds.
